Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz brand is currently on a cost-cutting and profit-increasing offensive that will lead to the axing of several niche models from its lineup, all while improving the core models, including the entry-level C-Class.
About to receive its fifth generation (or sixth, if you’re also counting the 190 W201), the smallest RWD-based Mercedes-Benz sedan is not only soldiering on but is about to represent a paradigm shift in its segment.
Part of Mercedes-Benz's core portfolio of traditional sedans, the C-Class W206 will only be traditional in nomenclature and its overall proportions, as it will be infused with almost the same amount of technology as its much more luxurious big brother, the recently launched S-Class W223.
Even the exterior and interior design will represent a pocket-sized version of the S-Class, but it’s the tech that will make all the difference in its fight against rivals like the latest BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4.
The front and rear ends of the most recently spied pre-production prototype are still a bit camera shy because of the camouflage, but we already have an idea of how they will look thanks to previous spy shots and more recent test drives.
Much slimmer headlights, a slight increase of its grille size, and pointier, horizontal taillights are the main design differences compared to its W205 predecessor, but the overall proportions of the model will remain in the same ballpark.
A host of mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid four-cylinders will comprise the entire engine lineup, including the C 43/C 53 and the mighty C 63. The latter is set to replace the old-school V8 with some F1-inspired technology to make up for the loss of displacement and number of cylinders.
Mercedes-Benz has also decided to lose most analog buttons and knobs inside, instead replacing them with a gigantic center console touchscreen with haptic feedback and improved voice-control, thanks to the latest iteration of the acclaimed MBUX infotainment system - just like in the S-Class.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 is therefore carrying a lot of weight on its shoulders, especially in a continuously changing automotive landscape that sees electric power and all kinds of crossovers and SUVs taking over the market. Expect the official unveiling to happen on February 23.
Part of Mercedes-Benz's core portfolio of traditional sedans, the C-Class W206 will only be traditional in nomenclature and its overall proportions, as it will be infused with almost the same amount of technology as its much more luxurious big brother, the recently launched S-Class W223.
Even the exterior and interior design will represent a pocket-sized version of the S-Class, but it’s the tech that will make all the difference in its fight against rivals like the latest BMW 3 Series and the Audi A4.
The front and rear ends of the most recently spied pre-production prototype are still a bit camera shy because of the camouflage, but we already have an idea of how they will look thanks to previous spy shots and more recent test drives.
Much slimmer headlights, a slight increase of its grille size, and pointier, horizontal taillights are the main design differences compared to its W205 predecessor, but the overall proportions of the model will remain in the same ballpark.
A host of mild-hybrid, full-hybrid, and plug-in hybrid four-cylinders will comprise the entire engine lineup, including the C 43/C 53 and the mighty C 63. The latter is set to replace the old-school V8 with some F1-inspired technology to make up for the loss of displacement and number of cylinders.
Mercedes-Benz has also decided to lose most analog buttons and knobs inside, instead replacing them with a gigantic center console touchscreen with haptic feedback and improved voice-control, thanks to the latest iteration of the acclaimed MBUX infotainment system - just like in the S-Class.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class W206 is therefore carrying a lot of weight on its shoulders, especially in a continuously changing automotive landscape that sees electric power and all kinds of crossovers and SUVs taking over the market. Expect the official unveiling to happen on February 23.